Russia is selling Africa dependence disguised as partnership

What the report says

Al Jazeera says Russia is using this week’s third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow to deepen its economic, military and political influence across the continent, while delivering limited benefits to ordinary Africans. The column says President Vladimir Putin is expected to co-chair a plenary session with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, and that summit discussions are set to cover trade, food security, energy, technology and payment systems.

The article argues that Russia’s promised economic gains have fallen short of earlier targets. It points to trade figures, including Russia’s 2025 merchandise trade with Africa and the continued imbalance in 2026, and says several announced projects have stalled or produced uneven results. Examples cited include a Russian-backed fertiliser venture in Angola that was abandoned, Egypt’s Rosatom-built nuclear plant financed largely through a Russian loan, and a proposed Congo pipeline in which Russian interests would hold most of the stake.

Al Jazeera also says Russia has widened its security role through military agreements, training and support tied to the Wagner network and the Africa Corps. It highlights Mali, Niger and the Central African Republic as cases where Russian backing has helped embattled rulers hold power, while civilians face violence, repression and limited political space. The piece further says Moscow is helping shape information flows through media partnerships and pro-Russian content placements, reinforcing the article’s view that the relationship mainly serves Kremlin goals rather than African public interests.